Daimler has 'no idea' how North Korea sourced its limos

Daimler has said it has no idea how North Korean leader Kim Yong Un has obtained the carmaker’s limousines.

Kim has been pictured using the luxury vehicles at various summits since last year, including Pyongyang, North Korea, in September 2018; Beijing, China, in January 2019; Hanoi, Vietnam, in March; and Vladivostok, Russia, in April.

The sale of limousines and other luxury goods is banned under UN sanctions intended to pressure the regime into giving up its nuclear ambitions.

Daimler said it had had no business connections with North Korea for more than 15 years and it “strictly complies with EU and US embargoes”.

“To prevent deliveries to North Korea and to any of its embassies worldwide, Daimler has implemented a comprehensive export control process,” said a spokesperson.

“Sales of vehicles by third parties, especially of used vehicles, are beyond our control and responsibility.

“So please understand that we have absolutely no idea how those vehicles were delivered to North Korea.”